National Republican., 1887-04-23

cents, but In other respects the treaty IL
said TO differ from any postal convention
| yet made. by an act passed In 1872 power
was conferred on the Postmaster General
to negotiate and conclude postal treaties
with foreign countries, by and with the
consent OF the President, and these treaties,
when so concluded, do not require ratifica-
ton by the Senate to become laws. The
occasions when this power has been exer.
cised have not been numerous, and the
present treaty with Mexico is said to be
the most important OF the class. Its pro-
visions have been carefully considered by
the President and by Postmaster General
Villas, and the approval of the President
follows as matter OF course. All that Is
now awaited Is the action Of the Mexican
congress, which there is no reason to be.
lieye will be otherwise than favorable.
1t is the general impression among the
few legislators still in the city that the out
come OF the Investigations OF the Senate
"undervaluation committee" will be
radical and material change In the laws
relating to the administration OF the cus-
toms service. The system OF undervalua-
tion OF imports has grown to an alarming
extent, and strong effort will be made at
the next session to stop these abuses. The
so-called Hewitt bill Of last session was
designed for this purpose, but 1t was not
reached, and In consequence the evils con-
tinue to exist and thrive. The Senate 10
prevented by the constitution from origi.
mating any measure affecting the revenue,
but there is nothing to prevent that body
from formulating bill designed to Sim
plify the administration OF existing law.
III the special senate committee on under
valuation now In session here considers that
the best interests OF the country can be SUBJ
served by such changes as those proposed
by the Hewitt bill, u measure having that
object In view VIII doubtless be among the
first introduced In the upper house next
winter. IL Is equally true that If intro
duced, the bill will pass the Senate at least.
A State Department officer, speaking Of
the decree promulgated H. Germany, de-
clarlng that German citizen remaining
away hve years or more from Germany
and becoming naturalized citizen Of any
other country would thereby become
liable to expulsion from German soil, said:
"As soon as 1t Is enforced, II will involve
the United States In diplomatic difficulties
with Germany. OF course 1t is primarily
Intended Ms bar to emigration and natur-
aliZation. Many Germans who think OF
coming to this country will reconsider their
determination when they know II virtually
makes return TO the fatherland impossi.
ble. 1t will no doubt keep many Germans
at home who would otherwise emigrate,
chose To return To his native country In
spite OF the prohibition, aud he was im.
prsoned or forcibly yemoved from Ser.
many, would he not at once appeal to the
American minister, aud could this country
submit TO It's citizens being treated MS sus
poets when engaged In lawful, peaceable
businessyn
In the appeal case Of William Burgess, OF
Boston, against an assessment Of duty OF 80
per cent. ad valorem on certain toy tea sets,
Assistant Secretary Maynard rules that the
local appraiser was In error IN classifying
these obvious toys MS regular commercial
decorated earthernware," and orders re-
liquidation Of the duties.
Messrs. James A Hayes Il Co, OF Bos-
ton, recently imported some Taragona vim
egar, on which the collector assessed duty
at 35 per cent, Acting Secretary Maynard
rules that this particular description
OF vinegar Ia entitled 10 come In at the
same rate as other vinegar, at n cents, and
orders refund of the excess OF duty